Machine tool mechanism



March 10,- 936 M. ROMASNE Er AL MACHINE TOOL MECHANISM a 'sheets-sheet 1 Filed June r128, 1955 March i0, 1936. M ROMMNE Eg- AL I 2,033,449

' v mcaim TOOL mcHAMsM Filed June 28, 17935 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 mfwm March 10, 193 M. ROMAINE Er AL MACHINE TOOL MECHNISM Filed June 28, 1953 e sheets-sheet s March lo, 1936. NL ROMAINE Er 'AL 2,033,449

MACHINE TOOL MECHANI SM Filed June 28, 19:53 e sheets-smet 4 if w. W123@ if@ i /z/f ff, fw @n 1 j y f zza z/f (l (Z5/0 Z/ ggg/l 55274 A Ziff; U

Ig@ ya u M f4 March 10 1936. M, ROMMNE HAL l 2,033,449

MACHINE TooL MECHANISM Filed June 28, 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet u d/of a I @trof/MJ March .10, 1936. M. ROMAINE ET AL. l 2,033,449-

MACHINE TOOL MECHANIVSM 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed June 28, 1933 @MWA Y Patented Mar.`10,1936

` PATENT OFFICE MACHINE Tool. MEcnANrsM Millard Romaine, Cincinnati, and Erwin G. Boehm, Norwood, Ohio, assignors to Cincinnati Grinders Incorporated, Cincinnati, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application June 28, 1933, serialNo. 078,052

35 Claims.

rIhis linvention relates to improvements in machine tool structures and particularly to improvements in manufacturing lines utilizing a plurality of individual machine tools and transferring mechanism for transferring work pieces `from one machine to the next.

One of the principal objects of this invention isv the provision of a mechanism for expeditiously performing successive operations on a given work piece whereby to complete said work piece in a minimum of time.

' Another object of the invention is the provision of a mechanism as above referred to including a plurality of transfer mechanisms operable simultaneously between a raw material 'I supply and a machine tool, between successive machines in the manufacturing line and between a machine and the final discharge point.

A. further object of the invention is the provision of a transfer mechanism as above set forth so tied in or coupled with the machine tools as to be energized from the said machines.

It is also an object this'invention to tie in or couple each of thgndividual units of the transfer system whereb the said units are simultaneously actuated and operable in synchronous order to effect a continuous productie-n from the machines and reducing the idle 'time of the machines to an.absolute minimum.

Other objects consist in detailed mechanism co-operating to'cause the system to function smoothly; to effect an end for `end positioning of the work piece during the transferring thereof; combined and co-operating hydro-electrical circuits interlocked and interconnected to effect the functioning of control units sequentially and improved mechanism for generally improving a manufacturing line and insuring the maximum production therefrom while being operated in a' safe manner.

' Other objects and'advantages-of the presentv invention should be readily' apparent by reference to the following specification considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings r 'illustrative of one embodiment thereof, but it will be understood that any modifications may' be made in the specific structural details thereof within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from or exceeding the spirit of the invention.

In the drawings: Figures 1 arid 1A illustrate in plan the improved transfer mechanism as associated with a plurality of machine too1s,vcertain parts being cut. away to more clearly illustrate the mechanism.

Figure 2 is a rfront elevation 'of one of the machine' tools together with one of the transfer units. y 3

Figure 3 is a side elevation of the mechanism disclosed in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional View' through a part of the operating mechanism as seen from line 4-4 on Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a sectional view through one 'of the transfer units as seen from line 5-5 on Fig- 'ure 2.

Figure' 6 is a side elevational view of the work cradle mechanism which is associated with each machine and as seen from line 6 6 on Figure 2.

Figure `7 is an elevational view of the other side of a duplicate mechanism of that shown in Figure 6 and as seen from line 1 1 on Figure 2.

Figure' 8 is a 'combinedl sectional and elevational view Ithrough a sizing device as seen from line 8--8 on Figure 2.

Figure 9 is a sectional view through a raw 'I l work supporting table as seen from line 9-9 on Figure 1A. Figure 10 is an elevational view of the power source of the transfer mechanism as seen from f line I0--I0'on Figure 1A.

the switch mechanisms for intermittently closing a switch forming a detail of the control mechanism as seen from line I3-I3 on Figure 5.

Figure 14 is a sectional view taken on line lll-I4 on Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a sectional view taken on line I5-l5 on Figure 13.

Figure 16 is a sectional view as seen from line I-IG on Figure 7. l Figure 17 isabottom plan view of a portion of the track associated with the transfer mechanismA and utilized for effecting an end for end Y `position of the work as seen from line I1-I1 on Figure 2. y y

Figure 18 is asectional view through a second switch mechanism operable by the work carrying member as seen from line I8-I8 on Figure 2.

A Figure 19 is a diagrammatic illustration of the electrical and hydraulic circuits employed'in carrying forward this invention.

Figure 20 is a sectional view taken on line 20-20 of Figure 18.

Figure 21 is a sectional view taken on line 2I-2I of Figure 18.

Figure 22 is a sectional view taken on line 22-22 of Figure 18.

Throughout the several views of the drawings, the same or similar reference characters are employed to denote the same or similar' parts. f As was pointed out above, this invention has particular reference to mechanisms for transferring work pieces through the manufacturing line from machine to machine, each machine of which performs a different and particular operation on the work piece, all operations tending to result in a final completed piece. It will be understood that the functions of the different machines mustbe taken into consideration to control or effect the subsequent operations of the transfer devices. It will also be understood that a separate carrying or transferring unit for each machine is necessary so that the finished piece from each machine can be transferred to the next machine and placed in position for operation thereon.

For illustrative and descriptive purposes there are but three machine tools disclosed in the drawings, but it is to be understood thatV this line may be considerably increased to take in any number of different machines requiring merely the further duplication of the transfer units and an interlocking of the several mechanisms associated both with the transfer mechanism and the individual machine tools.

The drawings illustrate the invention as applied to and including a manufacturing line utilizing a milling machine at the beginning of the line and two grinding machines, but it is to be understood that the invention is not confined to these types of machines but may also include other types of machines, such as lathes, drills, station-type machines and in fact all other machine tools now in use. It is also to be appreciated that the machines are automatic in their operation, certain parts of which are described and illustrated, but additional automatic mechanism may be employed and in some cases would necessarily be included which is to be considered as within the purview of this invention where necessary. For example, in the case of grinding machines, the feed of the wheel and work must be automatic, the sizing of the Work must be automatic, the trueing of grinding wheel which should take place periodically, may be automatic, and the compensation for wheel wear and the trueing thereof should also be automatically taken care of to avoid interrupy tion in the continuous production and operation of this invention. It is to be understood, however, that certain of these units may be manually or otherwise operated instead of in a cyclic andlautomatic mannen A machine tool will first be described in general and then specically described with referance to a grinding machine, since as far as the present. illustration is concerned the grinding machines would be slower in operation and control the -initiation of the various steps in the cycle. Accordingly, each machine tool generally comprises a bed or main support 25 having mounted thereon for movement relative thereto a work table 26. In the present instance the table is more or less utilized for setting up puryusual with grinding machines.

mechanism comprises a shaft or a screw 2liA threaded into the carriage 21 and having its rear end entering a cylinder 28. 'I'he said mechanism is lshown diagrammatically in Figure 19 and as there shown, illustrates the screw 28 as a piston rod having secured to its inner end a piston 30 adapted 'to be acted upon by an hydraulic medium under pressure for reversely shifting same and consequently the carriage. The particular mechanism involved in the hydraulic circuit will be described in detail subsequently.

It is to be understood that the tool carriage 21 will carry the particular tool of the machine in question which tool will either be mounted directly on a'spindle or a quill or other tool supporting member as would be usual with that type of machine. As shownAin Figure 3 the carriage 21 has journalcd in suitable bearings provided thereby, a spindle 3i to the free end of which is secured a grinding wheel 32.

hood 33 for confining 'the coolant and spray As was noted above, it is frequently necessary to trim or true the face of the wheel for which purpose, see Figure l, the carriage 21 has-m0unted thereon a trueing mechanism indicated generally by the numeral 34 and adapted t'o be actuated through the hand wheel 35 and a piston and cylinder mechanism 36. Any other type, however, of control or operating mechanism may be provided for operating the trueing tool.

For eiecting and controlling the operation of `the tool arriage, there is provided, see Figure 19, a 31 containing an hydraulic medium, preferably oil, adapted to be circulated through the hydraulic system by means of a suitable pump. This pump is indicated in Figure 19 by the numeral 38 and has extending therefrom the suction pipe 39 which terminates in the sump or tank 31. From the other side of the pump 38 is at pressure conduit 40 having its other terminus connected with a valve casing 4I. The valve casing I is provided with ports 42, 43, 44,

45 and v4G and it is with the port 44 that pressurev conduit 40 connects. Mounted within the casing v4| and shiftable relative thereto for connecting CII The v wheel 3,2 is generallyenclosed within a guard or the ports in various combinations is a spool type of valve 41 having piston ports 48, 49, and 50 forming between them cannelures 5| and 52. Connected with the ports 45 is one end of a conduit 53 which has its other terminus connected with the upper end of the cylinderA 29. Connected with the ports 43 is one endl of a conduit 54, the other terminus of which connects with the lower end of the cylinder 29. The ports 42 and 46 are respectively connected with branch dischargeconduit 55 and return condt 58 that terminates in the sump'or tank 31. As shown in Figure 19, the valve 41 is positioned to connect the pressure in the conduit 40 through the ports 44 and 43 with the conduit 54 thereby actuating the piston 30 in-a direction to retract the grinding wheel from the work. 'I'he hydraulic medium on theother side of the piston is being discharged through the conduit 53 and ports 45 and 46 to the'discharge conduit 56 and tank or sump 31.

The valve 41 is adapted toV be power shifted and for this reason is provided on opposite ends with solenolds 51 and 58 which are included in an electrical circuit which will be described in` detail later.

In order to support the work during` the toole* ing operation thereon the machine tool table 2E supports at opposite ends head and tallstocks 59 and 68.` v With certain types of machine tools the work is held stationary during the tooling operation whilel with other types it is necessary f to effect a rotation lof the work during the toolis illustrated in the drawingsdn Figures 11 and As shown in Figurek l1 the headstock comprises a housing or casing 6| having on its upper surface a prime mover 'or' motor support 62 supporting the motor 63. The shaft 84 of the motor is journaled in a bracket 65 carried by the housing 6| and which in addition houses the gear or pinion 66 secured tothe motor shaft 64 or' an extension thereof.v Meshing with the gear 466 is a gear 61 secured to one end of an intermediate shaft B8 also journaled in the bracket 65. The otherend of the shaft 68 has secured to it a pinion 69 meshing with a ring gear 18 keyed or otherwise secured to a pinion driven gear 13.

shaft 1I rotatably journaled vin the bracket 65 and housing 8|. The inner end of the pinion shaft 1| extends interiorly of the housing 6|' and has formed integral therewith or secured thereto the driving pinion 12 meshing with the 'Ihe driven gear 13 is shown y integral with a chuck mechanism to which are pivoted the chuckor. clamp arms 14. The clamp arms 14 areeachi provided on its rear surface with acamface 15 Vco-operatng with cam faced actuating Idog 1| slidably carried by a spider member 11.. In order to release thedogs they are each provided with a spring 18 having one end secured thereto and the other end securedl to the spider l11. Y

The gear 13 and chuck are rotatably journaled on a boss or bearing 19 integral with the housing 6|. 'Extendingthrough a bore in the said boss or bearing 19 is a spindle 88 `held against rotative movement by a key 8|. The spindle 88 in addition is mounted in a bearing 82 for guiding purposes and beyond the said bearing, the spindle is reduced as at 83 where it extends through a stuffing box and cylinder head 84 secured-in any desirable manner to the housing 6|. The reduced end 83 of the spindle within the cylinder 85 has secured to it a piston'86 which is adapted to be axially shifted for correspondingly shifting the spindle 88.

The forward end of .the spindle is provided with a counterbore in which is slidable a guide sleeve 81 which has abutting on its free endA one end of av spr-ing 88, the other end of which is seated against the base of the counterbore. The inner end of the sleeve 81 is bored and has pron jecting therethrough the stem 89 of a center 98 which fits the interior of the bore in the sleeve .81. Surrounding the center-stem 89 and enclosed within the sleeve 81 is a spring 9| which abuts on opposite ends with the closure of the sleeve and the center 98. The springs 88 and 9| are of diiferent strength, the spring 9| being the stronger whereby it willA shift the center before the spring `88 has an opportunityy to shift the sleeve. In other words, the spring 9| -will effect a. shifting of its part to the limit of its The center-stem 89 is provided on its inner end with a slotted head 92 received in a socket 93 formed in the spindle 88 and the spindle has a pin 94 extending therefmovement whereupon it will compress the spring 88 as will later appear.

through which passes through the slot vin the as follows:

98 which is effected by the spring 88 after the spring 8| has shifted the center 98 to take the clearance between the slot in its head 92 and the pin 9,4. After a work piece is mounted in posi'- tion it is taken up by the'centers and clamped l the sleeve 81 normally projects beyond the center" in the chuck by-the piston 89 which is actuated v to the-right thereby shifting thespindle and parts carried thereby. The initial movement of these parts will` cause the anged end of the sleeve 81 to engage with'the work and thereby limit its movement toward the work. Continued movement of the spindle wlll'then push the center beyond the sleeve into the previously formed center bore in the end of the work causing the said center 99 to pick up the work and align it withthe tailstock center to be later described. By the time the Work is properly mounted on the center 98 the flange 95 on the end of the spindle is contacting with the cam faced actuating members 18 which through the dog cams 15 f cause the jaws 14 to engage with and clamp the housing 96 mounted on the work table in opposition to the headstock housing 6| and has mounted therein a sleeve 91 in which is disclosed a spindle 98. The spindle 98 is held against;` rotative movement by a key 99 and is carried for sliding movement in bearings |80 in turn supported by the sleeve 91. The inner end of the spindle 98 is provided with the usual tapered bore supporting a center |8| that is in axial alignment with the headstock center 98.', The rear end of the spindle 98 is counterbored as at |82 in which is disposed the plunger end |83 of a piston rod |84. The plunger |83 is of less length than the counterbore thereby providing a chamber between the inner end of the plunger and the base of the counterbore.. In this chamber is disposed a spring |85 abutting on opposite endsvrith the base of the counterbore and face of thelplunger, thereby providing a compressible connection between the` spindle and piston |84. The outer end of the plunger |83 provides a shoulder between itself andthe pis--` ton rod proper and surrounding the said piston engagement of the shoulder and collar cause a corresponding movement of the spindle 98.

In order to eiect the movement of the spindle, the piston rod |04 extends into a cylinder |01 secured to the tailstock housing 96. Inclosed within the cylinder |01 and secured to the rod |04 is a piston |08, reciprocation of which correspondingly reciprocates the piston rod and spindle.

The head and tailstock pistons 85 and |08 are adapted to be simultaneously shifted in opposite directions by an hydraulic medium `which is valve controlled for alternately connecting the medium to the opposite ends of said pistons. As seen in Figure 19 there is provided a branch pressure conduit or Imedium |09 connected by a conduit I with the reversing valve casing that alternately directs the medium to opposite ends of the cylinders.` Thecasing is provided with ports ||2, ||3, ||4, and H6, end itis with the port ||4 that the conduit ||0 is connected. The port ||3 is connected by a conduit or pipe I I1 with the conduit or pipe ||8 that has its termini connected with the forward ends of the cylinders 85 and |01. The port ||5 is connected by a conduit I9 with a port or conduit |20 that has its termini connected with the rear ends of said cylinders 85 and |01. The ports ||2 and ||6 are respectively connected with branch discharge conduits |2| and |22 connected to the tank or sump 31 for returning the exhaust medium thereto.

In order to connect the ports ||4 with ports ||3 or ||5 and the remaining port with ports ||2 and the casing contains a valve |23 having spooled portsrl24, |25 and |26 forming cannelures |21 and |28. The valve |23 is power shifted to its operative positions by means of solenoids |29 and |30 respectively connected with the left and right hand ends thereof as seen in Figure 19. The said solenoids are included in a control circuit as will be described later.

The raw material or unfinished work supply is disposed at the right hand end of the manufacturing line as shown in FigurelA. lBy reference to Figure 9 it will be noted that this station comprises a table |3| having an inclined top |32 at the end of which is a stop |33 adapted to engage with the center of the work and leave the ends free for a purpose that will later appear. The table is provided with a mechanism whereby but a single work piece is permitted to lie near the stop |33 holding the remaining pieces at a distance spaced therefrom. This mechanism comprises a T -shaped lever |34, one arm of which |35 is cam shaped to engage the foremost work piece of the ones disposed remote from the stop |33. 'Ihe other arm |36 of the lever is provided with a weight |31. 'A stem |38 extends forwardly from the arms |35 and |36 and is provided with a lug portion 4|39 adapted to be engaged with the separated work piece. The T-shaped lever |34 is pivoted at 40 and is adapted to be oscillated in one direction about the pivot |40 bythe weight |31 and in the other direction by the separated Work piece |4,|. By this construction and since the weight |31 times its lever is less than the weight of the work |4| timesits lever, the parts are normally in the position shown in Figure 9 with the catch dog |35 in position. to restrain the remaining work pieces. However, when the work piece |4| is raised or removed from the table |32, thereby releasing the stem |38. the weight |31 and next piece of the separated pieces.

actuates the lever to withdraw the catcl dog 35 and thereby release the remaining work pieces.

In order to insure that but a single work piece is released, there is provided a supplementary catch mechanism. This mechanism comprises the lever |42 having its one arm provided with I a pin and slot connection |43 with the T-shaped lever |34. The said lever |42 has its other' end arranged to form a stop catch |44 adapted to be inserted in the space between the foremost From thisit will be seen that as the weight |31 oscillates the lever |34 in a clockwise direction to remove the stop dog |35 the lever |42 is oscillated in a counter-clockwise direction through the pin Aand slot mechanism for inserting the stop latch in the way of the remaining work pieces. However, as soon as the released piece reaches the lower end of the table |32 it engages with the lug |39 thereby operating the lever |34 in a. counter-clockwise direction and shifting the stop dog |35 into position for engagement with the next piece. This movement of the parts operates the lever |42 in a clockwise direction and removes the stop latch |44 from operation and permits the work pieces to roll into engagement with the stop dog 35. y As was noted above, this invention includes a 'transfer mechanism for transferring the work pieces from the raw material supply or table |3| to the machines as well as shifting the work from machine to machine and from the last machine to a storage rack or the like. The mechanisms for accomplishing these results are identical in all respects and it is deemed sulcient if but one of them be described in detail. Accordingly, there is provided a track |45 disposed slightly at an angle to the manufacturing line whereby one end of the track is disposed in front of the machine while the other is disposed above the machine in substantial alignment with the work supporting portion thereof. This track is provided on its upper and lower surfaces with V-shaped guide surfaces |46 and |41, see Figure 5. 'I'he track itself is spacedly secured to posts |48 which constitute a frame for the track. It is to be understood that this track may be alternately secured to the ceiling, joists, or other structural parts of the building. In order to take care of different heights of work supports on diierent machines and maintain the same travel of elevator bar (to be described) the posts |48 may be of different lengths thereby slightly inclining the track |45. Mounted on each track is the work carrying and transferring mechanism which includes Work pick-up ngers, elevating and lowering mechanism, and electrical or other controlling members.

The said carrying mechanism comprises a. housing |49 which has secured to its rear surface grooved pulleys or wheels |50 and |5| respectively engaging the track guideways |46 and |41. Disposed centrally through the housing |49 is a way through which is axially shifted the elevator bar 52. Flanking the said way and interiorly of the housing |49 are grooved pulleys |53, |54 and |55 adapted to engage the V-shaped guides |55 and |51 formed along the longitudinal edges of the elevator b ar |52. 'I'he pulleys or wheels |53 and |54 are loosely mounted onV axles or shafts |58 carried by the housing |49, while the wheel |55 is loosely iournaled on a stud |59 carried by one end of an arm |80 in turn pivoted to a shaft |5| carried by the'ho'using |49. The arm |60 has secured to it one end of a spring |62, the other end of which is secured at |63 to the housing interiorly thereof. reference to Figure it will be noted that the spring |62 urges the wheel |55 toward the carrier bar |52 for holding'it all times in contact with the wheels |54 and |53 so that the said bar is guided during its movements.

The lower end of the bar |52 has secured to it a lug |64 which overlies a carriage rail |65. The rail |65 has projecting from it a pivot shaft |66 which extends beyond the boss |64. to receive a lever |61, the purpose of which will be described in detail subsequently. `The carriage rail |65 is provided on its under surface with a dove-tailed guide tongue |68 received in co'rrespondingly shaped guideways |69 formed in the work carriage units which,are two in number, as seen in Figure 2. Since each of the carriage units are identical in construction, it is deemed sufficient if but one of them be described in detail. Accordingly, the carriage comprises a bracket member |1|` in which is formed the dove-tailed guide |69.

The lower end .of the bracket is provided with a work jaw here shown as a shoe |12 from which extends a threaded shank |13 extending through a threaded perforation in the lower end of arm |14, a lock nu being provided to lock the jaw in auste position. Intermediate the ends of the bracket |10 it has projecting therefrom a second arm |16 having formed intei-mediate its ends a perforation |11 through which `extends a second or movable jaw |18.

This jaw |18 is shown in the form of alever pivoted intermediate its ends at |19 where it passes through the perforation |11. The lower end thereof is provided with a shoe |80 which is V-shaped in cross-section so that a portioin thereof may underlie the work when caught between itself and the opposed jaw shoe |12. The upper end of the jaw |10 is pinned or otherwise secured to an axially shiftable rod |8| on the outer end of which is secured the movable core |82 of a solenoid mechanism. The coil |83 of the solenoid being `formed within or secured to an extension |84 of the bracket arm |16.l On the extreme outer end the slide rod |8| is provided with a head |85 which limits the movement thereof under the influence of the solenoid mechanism. The rod |8| on its other endl passes through a perforation |86 formed in the carriage bracket |10 which also acts as a guide for the movement of the said rod. Surrounding the bar |8| and disposed intermediate the upper end of the arm |18 and the carriage bracket. |16 is aicoiled spring |81 of the expansion type\ which is utilized for shifting the said arm in a direction opposite to that in which it was shifted by the solenoid mechanism. In other words, and as seen in Figure 5, the spring |61 actuates the jaw '|18 "toward the head |12 for engaging a workpiece while the solenoid mechanism shifts these parts in the opposite direction to release the said work piece. There should also be noted at this time that the arm |16 has secured to it. on its under surface, a switch casing |88 from which projects the switch pin H39 that is connected with the jaw for movement to operate the switch mechanism in the casing |88. The particular function of this `switch mechanism will be described in Ydetail subsequently.

It is sometimes necessary or desirable that the -work be turned end -for end between the different machines. It is also necessary that the work be maintained in a. deiiiiite relationship with respect tothe machine and the line of travel so that there is no jingling or shifting o f the work during movement. For these reasons the lever |61 above referred to is employed and it carries at its outer end a roller |90, see Figure 17. This roller is disposed in a Vguideway |9| formed in the. under face of the track |45. In the event it is desired to turn the work, such for example as when turning it end for. end, the guide track and its guideway are provided with angles such as |92 and |93. From Figure 17 vit will be noted that if the parts were traveling toward the left, the roller |90 would enter the angle |92 thereby tending to rotate the arm and pivot shaft |68 inra counter-clockwise direction about the axis of said pivotY shaft. By thev time the roller reaches the upper end of the said angle |92 the work is rotated through` 90 or is disposed at rightangles to its path of movement. As sooni it is momentarily held while the Work carriage.l

continues on thereby completing the rotation `of oscillation of these parts so that when the said roller reaches the lower end of the angle |93 the work is again aligned for presentation to the machine, but this time the ends are'reversed.

The elevator bar is axially shifted and consequently the work carriage and work by' means of a rack bar |94 secured to one side of the elevating bar and meshing with a rack gear |96. The rack gear |95 is keyed or otherwise secured to a short .shaft |96 rotatably mounted in the housing |49. 'Ihe shaft |96 projects beyond the lateral sides of the housing and to each projecting end there is secured one member |91V and |98 of a pair of universal joints. The other members |99 and 200 of said joints are respectively secured to shafts 20| and 202 which extend to the duplicate transfer mechanisms associated with the machines ahead of and behind it. By this construction all of the elevator mechanisms are simultaneously operated and this is true regardless of the position of theelevators with respect to one another at the time they areactuated. l

It is contemplated that these mechanisms will be power actuated for which reason, see Figure. lA, one end of the shaft |96 in the first mechanism instead of having the universal joint |91 |99 secured thereto will carry a gear or chainsprocket 203. I'his chain sprocket being connected by a silent chain 204 with a similar j form or motor support 208 thereby at all times insuring the proper and eicient operation of the parts.

In order to effect the traversing movement of each of the units lthey arerespectively provided With an upstanding arm 209., see Figure 3. The arms ,209 are pivoted at 2|0 to the carrier housing |49`so that any slight misralignment of the parts may be readily taken care of. The upper ends of the arms 209 are elongated as at 2| having formed therethrough an elongated perforation 2|2 through which passes a cable or the like, 2|3. The cable 2|3 has secured to it on each side of the arms 209, collars 2|4 and cov 2|5 which engage with the arms so that movement of the cable in either direction correspondingly and simultaneously effects the movement of the various carriers. The cable is substantially endless, passing about the grooved pulley 2|6 shown at the left hand end of Figure l, and the pulley 2|1 shown at the right hand end of Figure 1A. The pulley 2|6 is secured to a shaft 2|8 rotatably journaled in the bracket' 2|9 which may be suspended from the ceiling or supported by a support extending upwardly 'from the floor. The pulley 2|1 is likewise secured to a shaft 220 rotatably mounted in a bracket 22| again suspended from the ceiling or supported by the floor. The 'shaft 220 is providedintermediate its bearings with a sprocket 222 about which is trained a gear chain 223 which is in turn trained about the sprocket 224, see Figure 10. The'sprocket 224 is keyed or otherwise secured to the motor shaft 225 of a prime mover 226. Fromthis it will be seen that the cable 2|3 is adapted to be power actuated and since the motor 226 is of the reversible type the Work transfer mechanism will be actuated in opposite directions.

In order to maintain the proper driving tension in the cable V2|3 it passes intermediate its ends over a plurality of idler pulleys here shown as three in number and being indicated by the reference numerals 221, 228 and 229. Pulleys 221' and 229 are loosely journaled respectively on studs 238 and 23| carried by plate member 232. The intermediate pulley 228 `is loosely journaled on a stud 233 mounted on a slide 234 slidable relative to the plate 232. A tensioning screw 235 is provided for shifting the plate and thereby establishing the tension in the cable 2|3. Clamp bolts 236 are employed for securing the plate in adjusted position after the respondingly shaped upper surface of the workY table 26. At its inner end the housing 239 is formed with a V-shaped block 24| into which the work is deposited by the transfer mechanism and the said block supports the-work in axial position with respect to the head and taill stock centers from which it is picked up thereby. At the conclusion of the machining operation the work is again deposited by the centers in the V-block and is subsequently raised therefrom and transported to the rear end of vthe housing 239 from which it is transferred to the next machine.

The mechanism for effecting the shifting ofthe work from the inner to the outer end of the housings comprisesa guiding tongue or rib 242 projecting from the housing 239. This tongue 242 is received in a guideway 243 formed axially along one face of a-rack plate 244. 'I'he rack plate 244 has pivoted to it near its one end vat 245 a cradle 246. The cradle 246 has attached to its end one end of a spring 241l anchored to the side of the rack 2 44. The spring 241 maintains the cradle in a position for holding the work and causing it to move Iwith the rack when so actuated. The cradle has a second position shown in Figure 6 at which time it is below the work and is in this position when moving from the outer to the inner end of the housing 239 as when approaching the position to pick up the work piece being operated'upon at that time. In order to hold the cradle, in this second position against the resistance of the spring 241 it is provided on its forward end with a lug 248 co-operating with the nose 249 of latch 253. TheF latch 250 is pivoted to the rack plate 244 and spring actuated toward the cradle 246 by means of the spring 25| carried by the rack plate 244 near its inner end. In order to release the latch 250 at the proper time the housing 239 is provided with a release block 252 in the line of movement of the rack plate 244 and adapted to engage the tail of the latch 250. The cradle 246 is actuated to its lower or second position by means of a cam lug or dog 253 pivotally mounted on angle bracket 254 carried by the housing 239. The cam lug 253 is backed on one side by a stop 255 so that it will operate to oscillate the cradle 246 only when it is moving in a given direction; namely, from the outer to the inner end of the bracket 239 but will be ineffective thereon when moving from the inner to the outer end thereof. In addition, the rack plate'244 is provided'with a T-shaped slot in which is mounted a switch dog @256 for closing the limit switch 251 carried by the housing 239 near the outer end thereof. IThe switch 251 is part of the electrical control circuit to be later described.

In order to simultaneously actuate the rack plates 244 of each of the work supporting mechanisms 231 and 236, they have jointly journaled therein a spline shaft 258 which extends along the forward face of the machine. Keyed to the spline shaft for rotation therewith are rack gears, one for each of the lWork supporting mechanism and indicated in Figure 7 by the numeral 259f The gear 259 is flanked on its one side by the housing 239 and on its other side by a plate 260 which deflnesthe plane of movement of the gear and insures its alignment at all times with the rack plate- 244. The spline shaft 258 is journaled on its other end in bearings provided by a bracket 26| secured to the left hand end of the bed as shown in Figure 2. Secured to the shaft 258 near the bracket 26| is a rack pinion 262 -meshing with a rack 263 secured to one end of a piston rod 264. The piston rod 264 has its other end disposed within a cylinder 265 -forming part of the bracket 26| and the said rod carries within the cylinder a piston 266. The piston 266 is adapted to be actuated by the hydraulic medium under 'pressure for eil'ecting the in' and out movement of the Work cradle 246 depending upon in which direction the piston is actuated.

The mechanism for eifecting and controlling the operation of the piston 266-is shown in Figure 19 andincludes the branch pressure line or conduit |09 that terminates in valve casing 261 which has formed therethrough ports 261i, 269, 210, 21| and 212. It is with the port 210 that the branch pressure line |09 connects while the port 269 has connected therewith one terminus of a pipe or conduit 213 that terminates in a port in the lower end of the cylinder v265. Connected with the port 21| is one terminus of a pipe or conduit 214 having its other terminus connected with the upper end of the cylincier 265. Ports 268 and 212 are respectively conaosayio nected by branch'discharge conduits 216 and 218 that terminate in the sump or tank 31.

' Disposed within the bore of the valve casing 261 for axial movement relative thereto is a spool typevalve 211 having piston portions 218, 219 and 280 forming cannelures 28| and 282, whereby the ports through the casings are connected in i different combinations. The valve 211 is adapted to be cyclically actuated by power means for which reason it has connected to opposite ends thereof solenoids 283 and 284 which are ka. part of the electrical circuit to be subsequentlydescribed. From the foregoing it will be noted that the work piece at the conclusion of its yoperation is actuated to the rear end of the work supports where )t is picked up by the transfer mechanism for delivery to the next machine or to the finished work pile.

As was above noted, it is necessary that the size of the' work be automatically controlled and it is the sizing device which to a large extent forms the heart of an automatic transfer system and determines when the parts are to function since different operations on different work pieces will take a different interval of time to complete.

In order, however, that the transfer mechanism and the several units thereof operate in an efcient manner, it lis the vdischarge of the work that controls its function, the automatic size control being resorted to for controlling the operation of its particular machine. Accordingly,

' there is shown in Figure 8 one form of sizing device though it will be understood other types may be employed with equal facility. The sizing device shown in Figure 8 comprises a housing 285 mounted on the angled face of the work table.

y Mounted in the housing is a shaft 286 that proscribed in detail.

jects beyond one `face thereof and carries a contact finger 281 adapted to ride on the work as it is being tooled. The nger 281 is yieldably actuated to rotate in a clockwisedirection which movement is resisted until the work is to the desired size whereupon the finger snaps by the work. .In order to effect the said movement of I the finger, it has keyed to its shaft a pinion 288 meshing with a gear 289 loosely journaled on a second shaft 290 carried by the walls of the housing 285. The gear 289 is in mesh with a rack 29| axially shiftable through a bore 292 formed within the housing 285. Behind the rack 29| is a spring 293 abutting therewith and with a plug 294 closing the end of the bore 292. As

seen in Figure 8 the spring 293 tends to shift.

the rack toward the right which through the gears, and as above described, tends torotate the gaging or contacting finger 281 in a clockwise direction. Extending through the rack centrally thereof is an electrical conduit or wire 295 which terminates on its inner end with a switch contact 296. 'I'he switch contact 296 is in line with a second switch contact 29T carried by insulation member 281 which closes the inner end of the bore 292.' Extending from the sutch contact 291 is an electrical conduit or wire 299. The wires 295 and 299 form part of an electrical hydro-control circuit which will be later de- In order toreset the sizing device and elevate the contact ringer 201 prior to the operation on a subsequent work piece, the rack 29| is adapted to be shifted against the resistance of spring 293. For this purpose the'rack has vprojecting from one side thereof a pin 300 adapted to be engaged by an arm 30| of a bell crank 302 pivoted at 303 to the side o the housing 285. The

direction by a spring 304 which has one Aend connected with'the arm 30| and its other end anchored to the housing 285. It will be appreciated that this mechanism must come into play 5 ,only when the machine is idle and prior to the placement of a rough or unfinished work piece on the work support. This mechanism may be operated in any desirable manner but as shown in the drawings comprises an arm 305 having 10 on its upper enda cam face 306. The arm 305 is secured to the tool carriage 21 so that it moves therewith both toward and from the work. Its cam face 306 is adapted to engage a roller 301 carried by the outer end of the second arm 308 15 of the bell crank 302.

The operation of this mechanism is as follows: the sizing finger is constantly urged to move in a clockwise direction with the parts in the position as shown in Figure 8'. This is as above 20 described. After the work has been reduced to the desired size the toql carriage 21 is retracted, thereby carrying with it the arm 305 and releasing through its cam face 306 the roller 301. At this time the spring 304, which is stronger than '25 the spring 293, oscillates the bell crank 302 in a counter-clockwise direction causing through its` arm 30| 'and the pin 300 a shifting of the rack 29| to the left, and through the transmission to the contact finger 281 an elevation thereof. The 30 parts are now in position to\receive .a rough or unfinished work piece since 'the ilnished one is removed from the machine. When it is desired to operate on the roughpiece now in the machine, the carriage is again actuated toward the the parts is illustrated in Figln'e 19 which will 45 now be described inA detail. The main current source or leads is indicated by the numerals 3|0 and 3| which respectively indicate the plusl and minus y lines of the circuit. The individual switches' 251 operated by the work carriage when retracted to its final position are connected in series, thereby insuring that all' of the work pieces. are completely finished and completely retracted from the operative position relative to the machine before Uthe'transfer mechanisms are 5 operated. These switches are indicated in Figure 19 by the reference numerals 251', 251", and 251'". An electrical wire 3|2 extends from the negative lead 3|| and is connected with the limit switch 251' by a wire 3|3. The switches 60 251 and 251" are connected by the vwire 3|4, while the switches 251" and switch 251'" are connected by the wire 3|5. Extending from the switch. 251'" is a wire 3|6 connected with one end of a wire 3|1 which terminates at the sole- 65 noid 3 I8 for reversing switch 3|9, which controls the direction of rotation of the elevating motor 201. The other side of the solenoid 3|8 is connected by a wire 320. withv the positive main lead this time that the wire 3|3 connecting the wire 75 a solenoid switch :32| which may be closed by are closed the solenoid 3|3 will be energized. The solenoid switch 32| includes a coil having one end connected by a wire 323 with the wire 3|2 from the negative lead 3|| and has its other side connectedl by a wire 324 with one side of a.switch 325 which is spring operated 'to an open position and positively actuated to a closed position. The mechanism for closing this switch will be described in detail subsequently. The other side of the switch 325 is connected by a branch wire 323 with a wire 321 that terminates in the positive lead 3|3. With the parts in the position shown in Figure 19, it will be noted that the switch 325 is open, thereby de-energizing the solenoid switch 32| so that it will be closed for'completing the electrical circuit to the solenoid 3|3 upon the proper operation of the limit switches 251.

The elevatinmotor reversing switch 3|9 diai grammatically includes contact arms 323, 329,

330 and 33| of which the arms 323 and 33| are electrically connected by a lead 332, in turn connected by a wire 333 with the negative main lead 3| while the contact arms 323 and 333 are electrically connected by a wire 334 in turn connected by a wire 335 with a positive lead 3| 3. Upon energization of the solenoid 3|3 the arms 328 and 329 are brought into engagement with contacts 333 and 331, which are respectively connected by electric wires 333 and 339 with a normally closed switch 340 and one brush 34| of the elevating motor 201. 'I'he other side of the switch 349 is connected by a wire 342 and wire 343 with the second brush 344 of the elevating motor 231. For descriptive purposes it is presumed that the current is now flowing through the motor 201 in a direction for rotating same in a counter-clockwise direction to lower the various eleva ng arms to a position for depositing the WOR .in operative relation with the machine tools. A

Mounted on the elevator bar |52 is a plurality of dogs or cams which will now be described in the order in which they operate, various switches, also the switches operated thereby will be described in detail. Accordingly, the elevator bar |52 has secured to it intermediate its length so as to operate at about the vmid-position of vthe shaft is a gear 35|| in mesh with the teeth of a rack bar 35|, slidably mounted in bearingsl 352 carried by housing 343 for transverse movement relative thereto. The rack bar 35| is actuated in one direction, namely, toward the l elevator bar |52 by means of a spring 353 which surrounds said bar and abuts on one end against the housing and on the other end against a collar 354 carried by the bar. The bar 35| 'is operated in the other direction or away from the elevator bar |52 by the cam faces 343 and'341. The gear 353 has secured to one face thereof a'pawl 355 adapted to engage with successive teeth on aA ratchet member 3,53 secured to the shaft 343 adjacent to the gear. The parts are so arranged andthe amount of shifting of they 3|2 and limit switch 251 is provided therein withv rack bar 35| is such that each reciprocation of the rack bar rotates the shaft 343 a quarter turn in a given direction.

Secured to the shaft 343 is a pair of cam discs 351 and 353, the'former of which has a single camlobe 359, while the latter is circular, being provided with a cam notch 333. The cam 351 is adapted by its lobe 353 to momentarily close once for each revolution thereof a switch 33|. The cam plate 353 is adapted to actuate the switch 325, above referred to, as well as a switch 332. By reference to Figure 18 it will be noted that the switches 325 and 332 are carried by the housing 343 in position to be substantially diametrically opposed to one another.- It will also be noted that during the major portion of the time, the switches'325 and 332 are closed, being opened only when the cam 353 is occupying one of its four positions.

In order to hold the shaft 349 in each of its four positions it has secured to it a second ratchet plate 333 co-operating with a spring pressed detent 334 carried by the housing 343.

AFrom the foregoing it will be noted that the shaft is actuated a quarter of a revolution for each vertical reciprocation of the elevator bar |52 and retained in this position. Since a complete cycle of operation of the parts include the lowering and raising of the bar twice, it will be seen that the parts are returned to a given position prior to the commencement of the cycle.

For the purposes of describing the operation of this invention it is assumed that the cycle commences with the bar above the machine in which the work is to be disposed and must be lowered to place the work carried thereby in operative position with relation to the work supporting parts. Carried by the elevator bar near the upper end thereof is a pivoted dog 335 held in its normal position by a spring 333 whereby the dogv is operative-in one direction but inoperative in the reverse direction. The dog 335 is adapted to operate a switch mechanism illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 19 and structurally in Figures 13 to 15 inclusive. As there shown, this switch mechanism comprises a housing secured to the carrier mechanism |49. Rotatably mounted in the switch housing 331 is a shaft 333 carrying exterorly ofthe housing a star wheel or ratchet 339 adapted to be engaged by the dog 335 for eiecting a quarter revolution of the shaft upon each descent of the elevator bar I 52. Secured to the shaft 333 interiorly of the housing 331 is a cam plate 313, having formed thereon lobes 31| and 312 which areV diametrically opposed'to one another for -alternately closing the switch 313. For holding the shaft in each position against inadvertent operation the shaft may be provided Aintermediate its ends with notches 314 co-operating with a spring pressed deten't 315 carried by the housing 331. From the foregoing it will be noted that the switch 313 is alternately opened and closed for purposes to be later described.

Secured to the elevator bar |52 in spaced relation with respect to the dog 335 is a cam 313 adapted to operate a double switch including thel switch 343 and a second switch 311. 'I'he housing 313 for this double switch may be conveniently secured to the upper surface of the switch housing 331 above described and these parts arev so relatedthat the dog 335 and cam 313 substantially, simultaneously actua'te their switches.

Continuing now the description and operation of the electrical circuit of Figure 19. it will be 345 through its cam face'341'actuates the cam A2,033,449 remembered that'the elevator bar is descending. opened as illustrated in Figure 19. The other Substantially midway of its descent the cam discs 351 and 358. Prior to this operation the parts are in the relation shown in Figure 19 -With the switch 325 opposed to the notch 368 y the spring |81.

and therefore open, and with the switch 362 riding on the periphery of this' cam plate and therefore closed.v At the same time, lug 359 of the disc 351 'has already passed the switch 36|. Therefore upon actuation of the discs'351 and 358 the notch will be actuated beyond the switch 325 andthe periphery of this disc will pick up the same, thereby closing the switch and energizing the solenoid switch 32| and breaking the electrical circuit to the series switches 251. The breaking of this circuit de-energizes the solenoid 3I8 for the reversing switch 3I9. Since the lug 359 of the carndisc 351 had already passed the switch 36 I, further movement thereof away from the switch will ofcourse in no wise change its position As the'elevator bar nears the lower limit of its movement the dog 365 operates its switch mechanism for closing the switch 313. The closing ofthe switch completes an electrical circuit,

including. the following: Extending from the positive main lead 3I8 is a wire 319, which terminates at one contact of the switch 313, and extending from the other contact of this switch is a wire 388 connected with one end of the coil |83 of the work finger operatingsolenoid. Theger |18 to, release the -work piece being carried bythe elevator bar. Since the elevator bar is nowffin substantially its lowermost position the work is deposited in operative relation withrthe tool. As was above noted, this operation of the work finger is against thlyielding resistance of Substantially at the sa e time that the work piece is released, the cam 316 operates the double switch 348-311, breaking the former Aand making the latter.

rotating the motor in a downward direction. Therefore, the breaking of the switch will break the motor circuit and cause av stopping in the rotation thereof.

2 'I-he making of the switch 311 completes an electrical circuit as follows: Extending from the' positive wire 319 is a wire 38|, terminating in one contact ofthe switch 311, and extending from 'to raise or elevate the elevator bar |52 now free of any work piece.

' The e1ectr1ca1 circuit through the motor 201 now is as follows: The contact 'arm 33| coni- As was above described, the 'switch .348. is in the elevator motor 'circuit for side of the switch 389 is connected by a wire 398 with the wire 342 and brush 344. From this, it

4through the cam 345 rotates the cam discs 351 and 358 through the second quarter of a revolution movement. 'Ihe rotation of the disc 351 merely advances the lobe 359 without effecting the operationl of its switch, while the movement of the cam 358 brings the notch 368 -in Yline with the switch 362 whereupon it is opened for breaking the circuitto the solenoid switch 438 so that upon ccrnpletion. of the circuit which includes this switch, as will later be described, the proper operation of the mechanism is had. The circuit, including the switch 362, includes a Wire 433 from one contact thereof connected by a wire 444 with the main positive lead 3|8. The other side of the switch 362 is connected by a wire 445 with one end of the solenoid coil 446, while the other end of this coilis connected by a Wire 332 that terminates at the negative main lead 3H.

Secured to the-elevator bar |52 so as to operate additional switches are a pivoted dog 39t and cam plate392. 'Ihe dog 39| is mounted in the same Vmanner` as tte dog 365 and operates a switch mechanism identical with that operated by the dog 365. This switch mechanism has been illustrated only in the diagrammatic view of Figure4 19 and comprises a. star wheel or ratchet 393 which is similar to the star Wheel or ratchet 369. 'I'he star wheel 393 is connected to a shaft 394 carrying a cam plate or switch actuator 395 similar in all respects to the cam plate 318 and adapted to alternately close and break vator bar |52.

The dog 39| 1s adapted to attuate its switch mechanism shortly after the elevator bar starts upwardly for closing the switch 396. The closing of the switch 396 completes the following electrical circuit: Extending from the positive lead 3|8 isa wire 391, that terminates in one contact of the switch 396, andextending from the other contact of this switch is a Wire 398 that terminates in one end of the solenoid |29. The other side of the solenoid |29 is connected by a wire 399 with a wire 488 terminating in the negative main lead'3l I. As was above pointed out, the solenoid |29 operates the centerreversing valve so that substantially as soon as the work is placed in position, the machines are again set in motion for operation thereon.

From the foregoing, it will be noted that the only idle time of the machine was that required to cause the descent of the work from the ele- -vated position to a position in operative relation with the work support and a. reversal of the carrier bar which takes place. substantially as soon as the work is released. It should, therefore, be evident that the idle time of the machine is reduced to a minimum.

The` elevator bar |52 has of course been confstantly ascending and when it reaches its uppermost position, the cam 392 operates a -double switch, includingI the switch 389 and a second, switch 48|. The double switch 389-48I is simllar in all respects to the double switch 348-311 operated by the cam 316. 'I'he opening' of the- 'switch 389 breaks the electrical circuit to the nates at switch 404 of a double switch mecha.- f

nism,` including a second switch 405 and included in the switch casing |88 secured to the movable arm bracket |15 as above described. It should be noted that upon actuation of the work ilnger |18 the switch 404 was closed through the actuation of the switch pin |88, so that the closing of the switch 40| now completes the electrical circuit from the switch 404. Extending from the second contact of the switch 404 is a wire 408, terminating at one end of a solenoid 401 which operates the reversing switch 408 for the traverse motor 228. 'Ihe other side ot the solenoid 401 is'connected by a wire 408 with a main lead 3| 'I he reversing switch 408, similar to the reversing switch 3| 8, includes contact arms 4|0, 4||,

4|2 and 4|3, of whicharms 4|| and 4|2 are electrically connected by a wire 4|4, in turn connected by a wire 4| 5 with the positive main lead 3|0, and the arms 4|0 and 4|3 are electrically connected by a wire 4|6, in turn electrically connect'ed by a wire 4|1 with the negative main lead 3| The energization of the solenoid 401 causes the contact arm 4|2 to engage with reversing switch contact 4| 8 connected by a wire 4|3 with one brush 420 of the Amotor 225. At the same time the contact arm 4|3 'engages with reversing switch contact 42| connected by a wire 422, which terminates in a switch 423, at this time closed and yieldably held so. The other side of the switch 423 is connected by a wire 424 with the second brush 425 of the motor 225. It is now assumed that the current is flowing through the motor in a direction to traverse the transfer mechanism from one machine to the machine behind it, or from the ilrst machine to lthe raw material supply and from the iinished product stack to the last machine in the line, to a position for picking up the work pieces nished by the machine and held in position by the work ejecting mechanism above described. The traverse of the transfer mechanism will continue until the switch 423 is opened. This switch is operated by one side of an arm 428, which projects upwardly from the carrier housing |49. It will be understood that the breaking of the switch 423 'interrupts the motor circuit, thereby eiiecting its stopping.

The switch 423 is part of a double switch, including the second switch 421, which is simultaneously made with the breaking of the switch 423. One side of the switch 421 is electrically connected by a wire 428 with the negative main lead 3| I, while the other side of this switch is electrically connected by a wire 420 with a solenoid operated switch 430. The other side oi the A,

solenoid operated switch 430 is connected by a wire 43| with the wire 3|1 for the elevating motor reversing switch solenoid 3|0. vFrom this, itwillbeseenthatassoonastheworkcarrier or transfer mechanisms have been actuated to the position :for picking up the previously finished work the elevating motor is energized for causing a descent of the carrier bar 52 to the position to engage the work'.

The descent ot the bar at this time operates through the cam 340 for again ahlfting'tbe cam discs 351 and 350 through their third quarter of a revolution. This movement o! the discs cl the switch 302 for energizing the solenoid 430 and breaking that electrical circuit. At the g same time, the disc 350 is positioned so that its next movement will cause the closing of the switch 30|. The continued movement ot the bai' |52 next brings into play the dog 305 and earn 310, the cam 310 at this time merely breaking 10 the motor circuit, as above described, for stopping the downward movement ot the bar. Just prior, however, to the stopping of the motor, the dog 305 engages the star wheel 300 and actuates the switch cam or actuator 310 lor 15 again opening the switch 313. The opening oi' this switch de-energizes the solenoid |83 so that the spring |01 may actuate the movable work ilnger |18 toward the ilxed work nnger and engage there between the work piece.` The 20 operation of the work finger |10 through the switch pin |88, secured thereto, opens switch 404 and closes the switch 405 within the casing |88. With the switch 405 now closed and up'on completion of the switch 311 by the cam 310, the following circuit is completed.

'I'he closing oi the switch 311 completes the, electrical circuit as above described to the solenoid 383, thereby again shifting the reversing switch 3|! to the position to eiect a rotation 30 of the motor 201 for elevating the bar |52. During the ascent of thebar |52 at this time the cam 345 shifts the rack bar for actuating the cam and discs 351 and 350 through the nal quarter turn of their complete revolution.. Dur- 35v ing this said iinal quarter turn the lug 350` on the disc 358 now closes switch 302 and completes the following electrical circuit. One side oi the switch 36| is connected by a wire 432 with the wire 321 from the main positive lead 3|0. The 40 other side of the switch 35| is connected by a wire 433 with one end of a solenoid 203, the other side of which solenoid is connected by wire 434 with the negative main lead 3H. The energization of the solenoid 203 shifts the work carrier valve to a position to eilect the inward movement of the work ejector or carrier to a position to pick up the work piece as soon as it is completed. f

Continued upward movement oi the carrier bar |52 through the'dog 30| and star wheel 392 operates the switch actuator 385 to open the switch 380. The opening of this switch 300 de-energizes the solenoid |28 so that the center reversing valve may be actuated ina reverse 55Y direction subsequently, as will be described. Further movement of the carrier bar |52 cau'ses the cam 382 to operate the double switch 388-40l, thus stopping the rotation in an upward direction of the motor 201 and completing sof.

an electrical circuit through the switch 40|. The circuit controlled by the switch 40| at this time isthe same as the one above to the switch 404 of the double switch 404-40,5

on the work ilngex'V bracket. The cirwlt` at 05,.

this time is through the switch 400. whichhas, its one side connected by a wire 435 withone end ot a solenoid 430 associated with the traag erse motor reversing switch 400. The otlm' side of the solenoid 430 is connected by aA wirev 431 with the negative main lead 3|I. fl g 'Ihe energization oi' the solenoid 430 shifts the reversing switch 400 in the opposite direction, or to the position shown in Figure 18. At this time the contact arm 4|| connected with 75 wire 44| with one contact of a switch 442 at this time closed. The other side of this switch 442 is connected by a wire 443 with the wire 4|9 and motor brush 428. From this, it will be seen that the current through the motor is owing in a reverse direction, thereby reversely translating the transfer mechanisms or advancing them to the point where they will be in a position for depositing the work on the machines which Ais the position originally assumed when describing the cycle of operation of the parts. When the transfer mechanisms' reach the desired position the arm 426 on the carrier housing engages the switch 4'42 to open same and break the electrical circuit to the traverse motor 426 and stopping its rotation.

'I'he parts of' the transfer mechanism then remain in this position until all of the work pieces being operated upon are completed and the work ejecting mechanism or carriers fully retract to close the series limit switches 251', 251" and 251'", whereupon the transfer is again operated through the cycle just described.

As was noted above, substantially immediately after the work pieces have been deposited in operative relation with the machine the sole-f. noid |29 is operated to shift the centers control valve, whereupon the said centers are actuated toward one another to pick up the work pieces. As was above described, the work is caught in a chuck and rotated therebywhile being in alignment with the said centers. Each of the centers is adapted to respectively actuate a switch 448 and 449 which/have one of their contacts con-I nected byya wire 458. The second contact of v the switch 449 is connected by a wire 45| with the main positive lead 3I8. The second contact of .the switch 448 is lconnected by a wire 452 with a solenoid operated switch 453, the other side of which switch is connected by a wire with one end of solenoid 51, while the other end of the solenoid is connected by a wire 455 with Y the wire 488 terminating at the `negative main lead 3| l. From the foregoing it will be seen that nected by a wire 466 with the wire 488 that terminates at the negative main lead 3| I.

As above indicated, the tool carriage is now advancing toward the'work.. which movement continues until the sizing device contacts engage one another,` whereupon the following electrical vcircuits are completed. 'One contact of the sizing device is connected by a -wire 46| with thewire 45| which extends from the positive lead 3|8, while the second contact'is connected by a wire 451 with a wire 462, terminating at one. end of the solenoid 58. .The

-negative lead 3H.

other end of the solenoid'58is connected by a wire 463 with the wire 488, terminating at the From this. it will be seen that the tool carriage is actuated toward the work until the work is reduced to the desired size whereupon the solenoid 58 is completed for reversely'shifting the tool carriage control valve and eiectingl a rearward movement of the valve.

Prior, however, to the shifting of the valve and at the same time that the solenoid thereof was energized, the following electrical circuit was completed: From the sizing device contacts through the wires 451 and 456 to the coil' aso and ann thereby breaking the electrical circuit to the solenoid 51 so that solenoid 58 may be operated. Associated with the solenoid switch 453 is a second switch 464 which completes an electrical circuit from the wire 452 through a magnet 465 to the wire 468. i The purpose of this magnet is to provide a magnetic latch for holding the solenoid switch 453 in an open position until the centers have been retracted to release the work piece. If this mechanism were not provided and since the sizing device contacts are separated upon the retraction of the tool carriage, the electrical circuit through the solenoid 453 *would be broken, thereby completing the circuitthrough the switch 453 and immediately reshifting the tool carriage valve 'to a Afeeding position.. However, so long as the switches 448 and 449 remain closed, the magnet after on'ce beingenergized ates a switch 466 which has bonnected with one contact thereof a wire 461 connecting with the wire 45I and main positive"\ lead 3|8. The other side of the switch 466 is iconnected by a wire 468 wit ne end of the solenoid |38, while the other end of this solenoid is connected by awire 469 with the wire 488 terminating in the negative lead 3| I. From this, it will be seen that Iupon retraction of the tooll slidethe centers reversing valve is actuated to a position for'retracting the said centers from the work and thereby effecting a release of the work from the chuck. The released work is immediately picked up by the ejecting mechanism for ejection to a point beyond the machine for subsequent transfer by the transferring mechanism.

Upon retraction of the work centers to their fully retracted position they operate respectively switches418 and 41| connected in series as by a wire 412. The second contact of the switch 418is connected by the wire 468 with the Wire 488 and the negative main lead 3H,` while the second contact of the switch 41| is connected by a wire 412 with one end of the solenoid 284 associatedwith the ejecting mechanism reversing valve. The other sideof this solenoid 284 is connected by the wire 444 with the positive lea'd 3|8.

anism is set into operation for ejecting the jwork from the machine and, as pointed out above, at the endo! this movement operates its limit switch 251. main idle until all of the machines have coinpleted their work pieces and all of the work pieces have been ejected from their respective machines and untila new or unfinished work From it will be seen V that as soon as the workpiece has been released from th centers the'work ejecting mech- The machines then repiece is deposited in operative relation thereto, whereupon the machines are again actuated. through the cycle just described.

The operationof the device in general may be briefly summarized as follows:

Assuming that each machine is operating on a piece of work and the elevator bars are each poised above its machine ready to deposit a new work piece therein, each machine as it finishes its piece of work or its operation on the work piece starts its ejector mechanism which carries the said work from the machine to a point outside thereof. At the conclusion of the .operation of each ejecting mechanism it closes an electrical switch 251, the said switches of each machine being wired in series to one another. As soon as all of the switches 251 are closed an electrical circuit is completed, causing the operation of the conveyor mechanisms prime mover to start operating and effecting the descent of the carrier bars to position a fresh work piece in its machine.

After all of the work pieces have been deposited the movement of the bars is reversed to effect their upward movement. When the elevator bars are clear of the machines,I but before the said bars reach their upper limits of movement, they individually initiate the automatic cycle of their machines, the bars then continuing until they reach their upper limit of movement. As soon as the said bars reach their said upper limits of movement a switch is closed for energizing the traversing motor which causes the said bars and the work carriages associated therewith to travel to the preceding machine or unfinished work stack, as is the case with the first transfer mechanism. When the said bars reach the preceding machine they are above the `Work piece previously ejected from said machine and then the bars are lowered to pick up the said work finished by that machine. The bars are then immediately reversed so far as their vertical movement is concerned, whereupon upon reaching their upper or raised position they are traversed to the succeeding machine and again poised above the machine's Work support, except of course the'last transtime of the machine has-been reduced to an absolute minimum, since the transferring of the work pieces from machine to machine, from the unfinished stack to the first machine and from the last machine to the finished stack is accomplished substantially during the operation of the several machines. It will also .be noted that by this construction the transferring mechanisms may be operated at a much slower, safer rateofspeedthanwouldbethecaseifitwere attempted to effect the transfer of the work from machine to machine duringthe idle time of the machines. l

What is claimed is:

Llnamechanismoftheclassdescribodtho combination with a manufacturing line, including a plurality of machine tools, of an ejecting m associated with each -machine tool for eiecting the work therefrom upon completion thereof, a work support associated with each machine tool, a transfer mechanism operable between the work electing mechanism of machine for transferring the nished work from one machine to the next, means for turning the work end for end while being transferred from one machine to the next and while supported by the transfer mechanism, said transfer mechanisms each including an elevator bar, means for actuating the elevator bar of each transfer mechanism simultaneously, and means controlled by the ejector mechanism whereby each machine has had its work piece ejected prior to the operation of the transfer mechanism.

2. In a mechanism of the class described the combination with a manufacturing lineincluding a pluralitybf adjacent machine tools, of automatic mechanism associated with each machine e tool for effecting its cyclic operation to complete the operation of each machine on its work piece, an ejector mechanism associated with each ma.- chine tool for ejecting the Work therefrom upon its completion, a plurality of transfer mechanisms, one for each machine and adapted to sequentially deposit a work piece in the machine and remove the ejected work piece to the preceding machine, and means operable by the transfer mechanism for initiating the cycle of its machine upon depositing a work piece thereon.

3. In a mechanism of the class described the combination with a manufacturing line including a plurality of adjacent machine tools, automatic means for cyclicaliy operating said machines for producing a work piece thereby, an ejecting mechanism automatically operable by each machine for ejecting the finished work piece therefrom upon completion thereof, a transfer mechanism for each machine operable between adjacent machines for depositing a work piece on its machine and removing the work piece from the preceding machine, and interlocking control means operable by the ejector means upon completion and ejection of the work from each machine.

4. In a mechanism of the class described the combination with a manufacturing line including a plurality of adjacent machine tools, automatic means for cyclically operating said machines for producing a work piece thereby, an ejecting mechanism automatically operable by each machine for ejecting the vfinished work piece therefrom upon completion thereof, a transfer mechanism for each machine operable between adjacent machines for depositing a work piece on its machine and removing the work piece from the preceding machine, interlocking control means operable by the ejector means up- .on completion and ejection of the work from each machine, each ejector mechanism includingan elevator bar for supporting the work din'ing h'ansfer from machine to machine and for depositing the work in its machine, and

means operable by the ejector bar for initiating automatic operation of its machine after placing a work piece therein.

5. In a m of the class described the combination with a manufacturing line including a plurality of adjacent machine tools, automaticmeansforcyclicallyoperatingsaidmaone machine and the work support of the next chines for producing a work piece thereby,'an

ejecting mechanism automatically operable by" each' machine for ejecting the finished work cluding an elevator bar for supporting the work during transfer from machine to machine and for depositing the work in "its machine, means operable by the yejector bar for initiating automatic operation of its machine after placing a work piece therein,- and means connecting the elevator bars whereby they are simultaneous- 1y operated -and a single power source therefor. 6. In la mechanism of the class described the combination with a manufacturing line including a plurality of adjacent machine tools, automatic means for cyclically operating said. ma-

chines for producing a work-piece thereby, an ejecting mechanism automatically operable by each machine, for ejecting the nished work piece therefrom upon completion thereof, a transfer mechanismfor each machine operable between adjacent machines'` for 'depositing a work piece on its m chine and removing the work piece from the* receding machin'e, interlocking control means operable by the ejector means upon completion and ejection of the work from each machine, each ejector mechanism including an elevator bar for supporting 'the work during transfer from machine to machine and for depositing the work in its machine,

means operable by the ejector bar f or initiating automatic operation of its machine after placing a work piece therein, meansconnecting the elevator bars whereby they are simultaneously operated and. a single power source therefor, and means for simultaneously traversing the transfer mechanisms including the elevator bar between machines. g

. 7. n1 a mechamsm of the class resented the combination with a manufacturing line including a plurality of adjacent machine tools, each machine tool including a work support, a tool, and an ejector mechanism, of automatic means for vcyclically actuating the work support andV toolto produce a-work piece byeach-machine and effect its ejection from the machine on completion thereof, a work loading and transfer mechanism-for each machine operable between its machine and the preceding machine, said loadingl and transfer mechanism including an, elevator bar for depositing work on the work support of itsmachine and for transferring the work from the ejector mechanism of the preceding machine -to the work support of its machine, said elevator bar including work engaging ngers,and means operable by the elevator.

bar for releasing the work from the lingers when in. positionto deposit said work on the work support and for engaging the workwhen in posi# tion to remove same from the ejector mechanirm.`

8. In a mechanism lof the classdescribed the combination with a manufacturing line including a plurality of-adjacent machine tools, said tools each including a work support, a tool, and a y work ejecting mechanism, of automatically actuable means for effecting the cyclic operation of the 4work support to support and rotate the work during the operation.4 thereon by the tool and clusion of the tooling operation, a transfer mechanism for each machine tool operable between adjacent machines for transferring the work from the ejector mechanism of the machine next in line, and means 'operable by the transfer mechanism for initiating the cyclic operation vof its machine tool after a work piece',

' cally actuable imean's for effecting the cyclic operation of the work support to support and rotate the work during the operation thereon by the tool and eject the work from the machine at the conclusion. of the tooling operation, a transfer mechanism for each machine tool operable between adjacent machines for transvferring the work from the ejector mechanism of the machine, nextin line, means operable by the transfer mechanism for initiating the cyclic has been mounted on its work support whereby operationV of its machine tool after a work piece has been mounted on its work support whereby the machine is operating during the transfer of the previusly nished work piece, and means for simultaneously actuating the transfer mechanisms for depositing the work on its support whereby all of the machines are operating simultaneously.

10.'In a mechanism of the class described the combination with a manufacturing line including a plurality of "adjacent machine tools, said tools each including a work support, a tool, and a work ejecting mechanism, of automatically actuable means for effecting the cyclic operation of the work support to support and rotate the work during the operation thereon by the tool and,eject vthe workxfrom the machine at the conclusion of the tooling operation, a transfer mechanism for each machine tool operable between adjacent machines for transferring the work from the ejector mechanism of the machine next in line, means operable by the transfer mechanism for initiating the cyclic operation of its machine tool after a work piece has been mounted onits work support whereby the machine is operating during the transfer of the previously finished work piece,y means for simultaneously actuating the transfer mecha nisms for depositing the Work on its support -whereby all of the machines are operating simultaneously, and means for simultaneously ac- Y,

tuating all of the transfer mechanisms to thereby simultaneously transfer the work from one machine to the next.

11; In a transfer mechanism for use in a machine tool manufacturing line, whichcomprises two or more machines including a track between each twormachines, a carrier mounted on each track for movement there along from one machine to the next, an elevator bar asv sociated with each carrier for lvertical movement relative to the carrier, a reversible prime mover for simultaneously actuatingthe elevator bars, means associated with each machine for supporting a work piece for engagement by the elevator bars, mean's associated with each machine for receiving' the work' from the elevator bars, a reversible controller for the 4reversible prime mover, and means associated with the Aso.

machine and operable thereby for actuating the controller in one direction to effect the operation of the elevator bar for depositing a work piece on the machine work receiving means.

12. In a transfer mechanism for use in a machine tool manufacturing line, which comprises two or more machines including a track between each two machines, a carrier mounted on each track for movement there along from one machine to the next, an elevator bar associated with each carrier for vertical movement relative to the carrier, a reversible prime mover for simultaneously actuating the elevator bars, means associated with each machine for supporting a work piece for engagement by the elevator bars, means associated with each machine for receiving the work from the elevator bars, a reversible controller for the reversible prime mover, means associated with the machine and operable thereby for actuating the controller in one direction to effect the operation of the elevator bar for depositing a Work piece on the machine work receiving means, and means for actuating the controller in a reverse direction operable by one of the bars after the work pieces have been deposited on the machines.

13. In a transfer mechanism for use in a ma- 1 chine tool manufacturing line, which comprises two or more machines including a track between each two machines, a carrier mounted on each track for movement there along from one machine to the next, an elevator bar associated with each carrier for vertical movement relative to the carrier, a reversible prime mover for simultaneously actuating the elevator bars. means associated with each machine for supporting a work piece for engagement by the elevator bars, means associated with each machine for receiving the work from the elevator bars, a reversible controller for the reversible prime mover, means associated with the machine andoperable thereby for actuating the controller in one direction to effect the operation of the elevator bar for depositing a work piece on the machine work receiving means, means for actuating the controller in a reverse direction operable by one of the bars after the work pieces have been deposited on the machines, a reversible prime mover for simultaneously traversing all of the carriages relative to their tracks, and means sequentially operable by one of the elevator bars for reversely traversing the carriers relative to the tracks.

14. A transfer mechanism for use with machine tool manufacturing lines which include two or more machines, the combination of a track between adjacent machines, a carrier mounted on each track for reverse movement relative thereto, an elevator bar carried by each carrier for vertical movement relative thereto, work supporting lingers on the elevator bar, a reversible prime mover for reversely actuating the elevator bars relative to their carriers, a controle mover, means for actuatingv ler for the prim said controller in one direction to effect a lowering of the elevator bars to dispose a work piece between the work carrying fingers thereof, yieldingmeansforactuatingthengerstogripthe work there between, means operable by one of the elevator bars for actuating the controller in the opposite direction. to elect an elevationof the bars and work carried thereby, means for traversing the carriers end elevator bars relative to the track and including irreversible prime a,osa,449

mover, a controller for said reversible prime mover, and means operable by one of the elevator bars for electing the actuation of the controller ina direction to enect the traverse of the work from one machine to the next.

15. In a mechanism of the class described the combination of a manufacturing line including a plurality of adjacent machinek tools, each machine tool including a work supporting and rotating mechanism, a tool, and an ejecting mechanism, automatic means for cyclically operating the work supporting and rotating mechanism, effecting a relative feed between the tool and work piece, stopping of the rotation of the work and effecting a release thereof and ejecting the work from the machine, a transfer mechanism for each machine for depositing a work piece in its machine and movable to the preceding machine to pick up the work piece finished thereby and transfer same to its machine, means for actuating the transfer mechanism for depositing a work piece in operative relation with the work supporting and rotating mechanism of its machine, and means operable by each transfer mechanism'for initiating the automatic cyclic operation of its machine after it deposits its work on the work support whereby the machines are in operation during the transfer of the work from the preceding machine.

16. In a mechanism of the class described the combination of a manufacturing line including a plurality of adjacent machine tools; each machine tool including a work supporting and rotating mechanism, a tool, and an ejecting mechanism, automatic means for cyclically operating the work supporting and rotating mechanism, effecting a relative feed between the tool and work piece, stopping of the rotation of the work and effecting a release thereof and ejectlng the .work from the machine, a transfer mechanism for each machine for depositing a work piece in its machine and movable to the preceding machine to pick up the work piece finished K'thereby and transfer same to its machine, means for actuating the transfer mechanism for depositing a work piece in operative relation with the work supporting and rotating mechanism of its machine, means operable by each transfer mechanism for initiating the automatic cyclic operation of its machine after it deposits its work on the work support whereby the machines are in operation during the transfer of the work from the preceding machine, and interlocking means operable by the ejecting mechanism of each machine for effecting the depositing of the work by the transfer'mechanisms on the work supports after all machines have completed their operations.

v 1'?. In a transfer or work handling mechanism of the class described the combination of a carrier, means for transferring saidcarrier between two points, means for raising and lowering said carrier at each of said points for effecting a picking up of the work piece at one point and depositing the work piece at'the other point, automatic means for effecting the said operations of the transferring and raising and lowering means of the carrier, a machine tool at each point of the transfer movement of the carrier, an ejector mechanism associated with each machine tool from whichl the work is received by the carrier. and a work support associated with each machine tool for receiving the work from the carrier.'

18. Inatransferworkhandiingmechanism 

